Page 24 of Marco

His vow should reassure me, but instead, it only brings a renewed wave of fear. Because Marco can't control the demons that stalk us, any more than I can escape the life I now lead. And as long as we're together, there will always be a target on our backs.

I lift my head to meet Marco's gaze, seeing my own troubled thoughts reflected in his eyes. "What are we doing?" I whisper. "How can this ever work?"

"I don't know," he admits. "But I do know that I can't give you up. Not now, not ever."

His words make my heart clench. I know with sudden, blinding clarity that I can't give Marco up either. That against all odds and reason, I have fallen deeply, irrevocably in love with this complicated, dangerous man.

"Marco," I breathe, cupping his cheek. He leans into my touch, eyes closing for a brief moment. "The truth is, you're not the only one who can't walk away."

His eyes fly open, staring at me with a mix of hope and disbelief. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I think I'm falling in love with you," I tell him. "Despite everything, you've become the best part of my life. And if being with you means living with fear and uncertainty, then so be it. I'll face any danger for the chance to be by your side."

Marco's breath leaves him in a rush. For a long moment he simply gazes at me, emotions flickering across his face too quickly to read. Then he surges forward, claiming my lips in a searing kiss.

It's a kiss filled with passion and possession, marking me as surely as any brand. When we finally break apart, Marco presses his forehead to mine, his ragged breaths mingling with my own.

"You're sure about this?" His voice is rough with some indefinable emotion. "If you bind yourself to me, there's no going back. The life I lead...it won't be an easy one. There will be times I have to put my duties first, no matter the cost."

"I know," I say. "Just as there will be times when I have to accept the woman I once was in order to survive. We can't change who we are, Marco. But if we face each new challenge together, I believe we can build a future. Our future."

Marco smiles then, slow and breathtaking. "Our future," he echoes, sealing his promise with another searing kiss.

My hands tangle in Marco's hair as the kiss deepens, desire pooling low in my belly.

A soft moan escapes me when Marco's lips trail down my neck, nipping and sucking at my sensitive skin. His hands roam over my body, skimming up my sides before cupping my breasts. I arch into his touch with a gasp.

"Tell me to stop," Marco rasps, "and I will. I don't want to push you into something you're not ready for."

"Don't you dare stop," I say breathlessly.

Marco growls in approval, swiftly unbuttoning my blouse. My bra soon follows, baring my breasts to his heated gaze. He lowers his head, taking one rosy nipple into his mouth, sucking gently at first before teasing it with his tongue and teeth. I cry out, my fingers digging into his shoulders.

"That's it," he whispers against my skin. "Let go, baby."

Somehow, I manage to unclasp his necklace and throw it aside as he continues to worship my breasts. My heart races as his hands slide up my thighs, pushing my skirt up inch-by-inch till it pools at my waist. He kneels before me, kissing and nibbling his way up my leg.

He gazes up at me intensely from the apex of my thighs and the sight of him just about makes me lose my mind.

"Marco," I whimper, my head falling back against the pillow. His name is a plea and a prayer.

"Tell me what you want, Alessia," he breathes, spreading me open with his fingers. "Tell me what feels good."

"Everything," I groan. "You."

He chuckles darkly, his hot breath fanning over my wetness. And then his tongue dives inside me, causing me to gasp and grab a fistful of his hair. His tongue flicks against my clit, sending shockwaves of pleasure through my core. It's been so long since I've felt anything like this—raw, intense longing. I cry out as he buries his face between my legs, pressing his mouth to my pussy. I'm lost in the sensation of his lips and teeth, the scrape of his stubble against my sensitive skin.

His tongue circles my clit, driving me wild with each lick and suck.

"I'm close," I whisper, my voice hoarse. "Marco... I'm close."

And then he sucks hard on my clit, and I explode beneath him. I cry out his name as he continues to thrust, sending us both over the edge. My walls clench around him, and he growls before pouring his seed deep inside me. We collapse onto the bed, our hearts pounding in unison.

"That's it, baby," he mumbles against me. "Give it to me." I can imagine his erection pressing against me, and I want it inside me so badly.

He moves back up my body and kisses me deeply. I respond, our need for each other tangible. I slide my hand down his chest and grab his cock, guiding it towards my entrance. He hesitates for a moment before pushing inside, filling me slowly but surely. We both gasp as he slowly thrusts in and out, our hips meeting with a rhythm. It's messy, urgent, and so damn right. His moans echo against my lips, mixing with my own gasps for air. His hands grip my hips tightly, pulling me closer into each stroke, and I can feel the anger and lust intertwined in every movement.

"More," I murmur, arching my back. He obliges, plowing into me rougher, faster, sending sparks of pleasure through my whole body. My nails dig into his shoulders, leaving half-moons in the flesh.

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